Median Pain Research Articles

The BioPro Thumb Carpometacarpal Hemiarthroplasty: Case Series and Surgical Technique.

Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis is painful and debilitating. Here, we explore outcomes of a modular, press-fit thumb CMC hemiarthroplasty prosthesis (BioPro). This surgical option permits minimal bone resection, sparing the trapezium, hence allowing revision options if necessary. A retrospective review of all cases of the modular thumb CMC implants performed at one community US center between 2018 and 2021 were included and invited for email or telephone review. Electronic records were examined for demographics, patient outcomes, and morbidity. Eleven patients underwent 11 thumb CMC joint hemiarthroplasties, mean age was 64.8 years (SD: 7.68y), with 6 females. Six received surgery on their dominant extremity. Two were manual workers (both in the medical field), 6 office-based, 2 retired, and 1 homemaker. The preoperative median pain score (Visual Analog Score) was 8/10 (range: 5 to 10), reducing to 1/10 (range: 1 to 10) ( P =0.000033) with a median follow-up of 23 months (range: 13 to 39mo). In all, 8/11 patients reported they would recommend this surgery to friends and family and opt for the same surgery on their contralateral hand if necessary. One patient reported persistent pain a year postoperatively. On review, the head of the implant was placed too deep into the trapezium. Another center found that this patient had a postoperative trapezium fracture and underwent revision with implant removal and conversion to a suspension arthroplasty. At 12 months, 10/11 thumb CMC hemiarthroplasty showed good pain relief, function, and patient satisfaction. The BioPro has a low risk of subluxation and allows salvage options to remain available should failure occur.

Randomized control trial comparing hygroscopic cervical dilators to cervical ripening balloon for outpatient cervical ripening

BackgroundOutpatient term pre-induction cervical ripening with mechanical agents has been associated with reduced length of stay, decreased cesarean delivery rates, low maternal and neonatal complications, and increased incidence of vaginal delivery within 24 hours. Objective(s)This study aims to demonstrate equivalent efficacy between synthetic hygroscopic dilators and the single balloon catheter for outpatient cervical ripening. Study DesignThis randomized control equivalence trial compares synthetic hygroscopic dilators to the 30cc silicone single balloon catheter in primiparous and multiparous patients undergoing induction. The primary outcome was time from admission to delivery, with a prespecified 3-hour margin of equivalence. Secondary objectives were patient outcomes and perspectives. ResultsBetween March 1st, 2019, and May 31st, 2021, 1,605 patients met screening criteria and 174 completed the study. Mean admission-to-delivery time was equivalent at 18.01 hours for the dilator group versus 17.55 hours for the balloon group (p=0.04). The cesarean delivery rate of primiparous patients was similar at 28.1% with dilators versus 29.7% with balloon. The groups had similar median cervical dilation and pain scores on insertion and admission. Overall patient satisfaction was high, 92.8% with dilators versus 96.2% with balloon. The balloon group had significantly higher rates of early admission and device expulsion. Conclusion(s)Although the enrollment goal was unmet, this study suggests outpatient cervical ripening with synthetic hygroscopic dilators and the single balloon catheter are both efficacious with similar time from admission to delivery, pain scores, and patient satisfaction with the procedure.

Comparison of Outcome of Laparoscopic and Open Inguinal Hernioplasty

Objective: To determine the outcome of Open and laparoscopic Inguinal Hernioplasty. Study Design: Comparative prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Surgery Combined Military Hospital, Multan Pakistan, from Sep 2021 to Oct 2022. Methodology: One hundred patients were enrolled and divided into Group-A and Group-B based on a technique used. Patents with a working diagnosis of inguinal hernia aged 13 to 90 years were included in the study. The data was collectedbfrom the participants at one week and six months post-operatively. Results: The mean age of patients was 43.87±13.63 years. The mean operative time was 70.5±10.48 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 1.88±0.79 days. The median post-op pain at 0 hours was 2(2 – 1); at 6 hours was 4(6 – 3); at 12 hours was 5(5 – 4) and at 24 hours was 5(6-3). Conclusion: The laparoscopic surgical technique is a wonderful addition to the surgical tool kit of a surgeon. When performed by experienced persons, there is speedy recovery and reduced hospital stay with minimal morbidity and mortality. It is highly recommended for inguinal hernioplasty.

Moderate Intra-Abdominal Pressure Levels in Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Seem to Have No Negative Impact on Clinical Outcomes.

Introduction: Radical prostatectomy is increasingly performed laparoscopically with robot assistance (RALRP). RALRP, as with all laparoscopic procedures, requires a pneumoperitoneum, which might result in peritoneal inflammatory response reactions and postoperative pain. The aim of this retrospective single-centre study was to analyse the effects of a pneumoperitoneum during RARLP on clinical outcomes. Methods: All patients who underwent robot-guided prostatectomy in our clinic were included, with the exception of patients who were converted to open prostatectomy. C-reactive protein was used as a marker for the primary outcome, namely the postoperative inflammatory response. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was evaluated as a potential factor influencing inflammation. In addition, the waist-hip ratio was used to estimate the amount of visceral adipose tissue, and the administration of dexamethasone was considered as a factor influencing inflammation. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to determine postoperative pain. Patients were consecutively recruited between 1 September 2020 and 31 March 2022. Results: A total of 135 consecutive patients were included. The median waist-hip ratio was 0.55. The median duration of the pneumoperitoneum was 143 min. The median values of the average and maximum IAP values were 10 mmHg and 15 mmHg, respectively. The mean CRP of the first postoperative day was 6.2 mg/dL. The median VAS pain level decreased from 2 to 1 from the first to the third postoperative day. On the first postoperative day, 16 patients complained of shoulder pain. In addition, 134 patients were given some form of opioid pain treatment following surgery. Conclusion: We could not identify any relevant associations between the duration and IAP of the pneumoperitoneum and the indirect markers of inflammation or indicators of pain, or between the latter and the amount of visceral adipose tissue. In addition, we found no significant effect of the administration of dexamethasone on postoperative inflammation. The results point to a noninferior tolerability of moderate pressure during the procedure compared to the commonly utilised higher pressure, yet this must be confirmed in randomised controlled trials.

Virtual Surgical Planning for Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction with Stock TMJ Prostheses: Pilot Study.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the human anatomy. In advanced degenerative stages, conservative or minimally invasive surgical therapies have failed to restore joint function, and joint replacement with prostheses has been required. Stock prostheses, compared to custom-made prostheses, are much less expensive and require less pre-operative preparation time. Four patients followed for years for temporomandibular dysfunction and previously operated on by arthroscopy or open joint surgery that have been reconstructed with stock TMJ prostheses (STMJP) through virtual surgical planning (VSP) and an STL model with surgical and positioning guides were included. The median follow-up was 15 months; the median number of previous TMJ surgeries was 2. The mean preoperative MIO was 24.6 mm and at longest follow-up was 36.4 mm. The median preoperative TMJ pain score was 8, and the median postoperative TMJ pain was 3. All patients have improved their mandibular function with a clear improvement of their initial situation. In conclusion, we believe that stock TMJ prostheses with virtual surgical planning and surgical guides are a good alternative for TMJ reconstruction at the present time. Nonetheless, prospective and randomized trials are required with long-term follow up to assess their performance and safety.

Outcomes of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty revised to reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with contained central glenoid bone defects

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to present the outcomes of patients with failed total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) who were treated by conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). MethodsThis retrospective cohort study investigates patients who underwent single-stage revision from TSA to RSA by one of three fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons between 2012 and 2020. Patients with central bone defects in the glenoid were included, whereas those with uncontained peripheral or combined glenoid defects or with infections requiring a 2-stage revision were excluded. The glenoid baseplate size and use of bone graft augmentation were recorded. A minimum 2-year postsurgical follow-up was required to participate in the outcome evaluations. Primary outcome measures were shoulder pain on the visual analog scale and active shoulder forward flexion and abduction, while secondary outcome measures included patient satisfaction, procedure complications, and reoperations. The Wilcoxon signed rank exact test was used to compare preoperative and postoperative clinical data. ResultsData from 18 shoulders in 16 patients, average age 74 years, were analyzed. The standard 28-mm-sized baseplate with longer and wider central peg was implanted in 12 of 18 reconstructions. Bone graft augmentation of the glenoid was required in 4 of 6 cases when the 25-mm mini baseplate was used. Clinical evaluation of 13 patients (15 shoulders) with an average of 5 (range, 2-10) years after surgery showed statistically significant improvements in median visual analog scale shoulder pain score decreasing from 7 to 0 (P < .001), median active shoulder forward flexion increasing from 90° to 140° (P < .001), and median active shoulder abduction increasing from 60° to 125° (P < .001). In 14 of 15 cases, the patient was satisfied with the outcome. There were minor complications in 2 cases (13%), but there were no major complications or reoperations. ConclusionIn patients with symptomatic TSA from component failure, shoulder instability, or rotator cuff insufficiency, single-stage revision to RSA for those with contained glenoid bone defects is a reliable salvage option to reduce shoulder pain and improve shoulder motion. At a mean 5-year follow-up, we observed 100% implant survival in 15 cases.

Acute postoperative pain management techniques, their efficacy and complications after major gastrointestinal and hepato-pancreato-biliary cancer surgeries: An observational study.

Patients undergoing major gastrointestinal (GI) surgery including hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeries have large incisions, which cause severe acute postoperative pain that, if untreated, is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative morbidity and delayed recovery. Our study included all patients who underwent elective major upper GI and HPB surgeries from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018. The patients were divided into two groups: the epidural and the non-epidural group. The average and worst pain scores at rest and movement were compared between both groups. We also studied the effect of pain relief in the two groups and associated postoperative outcomes, resumption of feeding, ambulation, hospital stay and intensive care unit stay. A total of 566 patients were included in the study, out of which 490 received epidurals, and the rest, 76, belonged to the non-epidural group (transversus abdominis plane, rectus sheath block or no regional analgesia technique). The median average pain score at rest and movement was 2.0 and 3.0, respectively, in the epidural and non-epidural groups. The postoperative outcomes showed no statistical difference. The epidural group and the non-epidural group had similar pain scores, and the postoperative outcomes were also comparable.

(167) Penile Plication is Well Tolerated Under Conscious Sedation: A Prospective Comparison of Deep Intravenous Vs. Nursing Administered Conscious Sedation

Abstract Introduction Penile plication is a common and effective surgical treatment for Peyronie's Disease. Although generally performed under general or spinal anesthesia, patient tolerability of penile plication under conscious sedation (CS) has several advantages: reduced anesthetic risk, health care cost savings, decrease wait times, and the ability conduct in outpatient facilities. While CS would provide significant potential benefit, there have been no evaluations of patient-reported tolerability to penile plication completed under conscious sedation nor comparisons with varying administrations. Objective To evaluate and compare patient-reported tolerability of penile plication performed under two CS sedation approaches: (1) deep intravenous conscious sedation (IVCS) administered by anesthesiologists and (2) nursing administered conscious sedation (NACS). Methods We evaluated procedure tolerability in a prospective cohort of 40 adult patients (23 IVCS; 17 NACS) undergoing primary penile plication between August 2022 and May 2023. Revision surgeries, and those with hourglass or hinge deformities were excluded. IVCS patients were administered midazolam (5mg) and ketamine (20mg) along with a continuous infusion of propofol (25-50 mcg/kg/min) and remifentanil (0.05 mcg/kg/min). NACS sedation protocol consisted of midazolam (1-2 mg) and fentanyl (50-100 ug). Patient baseline characteristics, procedure information, pain assessments (Likert scale; 0 [no pain]-10[most pain]) made by the patient and surgeon before during and after the procedure were collected. Following a post-surgical healing period, patients were contacted and administered an evaluated standardized patient tolerability questionnaire. Overall patient tolerability, pain assessments, and complication rates were compared descriptively, and using Wilcoxon sign-rank tests and McNemar tests. Results Baseline characteristics were similar between IVSC and NACS groups. Median pre-operative curvature of the IVCS cohort was 55 degrees (IQR=43.75-76.25) whereas the NACS curvature was 45 degrees (IQR=45-60). There was a 100% procedural success rate with no intra-operative concerns leading to the abortion of the procedure or conversion to general anesthetic. At six-week post-operative follow up, all patients had functional curvature. 100% of patients in the IVCS and NACS cohorts reported that they would recommend CS to others. Additionally, 95% (19/20; CI95=75.3%-99.0%) of those undergoing IVCS and 93.3% (14/15; CI95=70.2-98.8%) of the NACS cohort would choose CS over general anesthetic if they had to undergo the same surgery again. Sedation choice did not differ between CS groups (p=1.0). Most patients reported no pain pre-operatively (IVCS:[18/20]; NACS:[13/15]; p=1.0), peri-operatively (IVCS:[16/20]; NACS:[13/15]; p=0.68), or immediately post-operatively (IVCS:[14/20]; NACS:[14/15]; p=0.20). Two-hour post-operative pain did not differ between groups (p=0.89). Median two-hour post-operative IVCS pain was 2.5 (IQR=0-5.0) whereas median NACS pain was 3.0 (IQR=1.5-3.0). Conclusions Penile plication is exceptionally well tolerated when completed under either anesthesiologist administered intravenous conscious sedation or nursing administered conscious sedation. Most patients would choose conscious sedation over general anesthetic for the procedure in the future and all would recommend conscious sedation to others. Self-reported pain did not differ between groups and most patients reported no pain pre-, peri-, or immediately post-operatively. These results suggest that penile plication surgery can be completed in an outpatient setting under conscious sedation administered by trained nursing staff, which is expected to decrease costs, risks and wait-times of the procedure. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Boston Scientific.

(005) Immunohistochemical Staining of the 12:00 Vestibule in NPV Patients: First Ever Assessment

Abstract Introduction In 2004, Bornstein and colleagues performed immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of excised vestibular specimens in patients with vestibular pain. They demonstrated that these specimens contained &amp;gt; 8 CD117 immunopositive stained cells per high-power field (HPF), consistent with mast cells, and excess S100 stained immunopositive cells, consistent with nerves-far more compared to control tissue. However, Bornstein et al. only studied the 1:00-11:00 vestibule in this condition, now referred to as neuroproliferative vestibulodynia (NPV). To the best of our knowledge, the 12:00 region of the vestibule, below the clitoral frenulae and above the urethral meatus, has not been examined with IHC staining. Pain in the 12:00 region can be particularly bothersome for patients and poses several challenges for successful treatment. Objective To report IHC staining findings in the excised 12:00 vestibule specimen and associated clinical characteristics of NPV patients. Methods Retrospective chart review performed. Slides of IHC-stained vestibular tissue specimens from the 12:00 vestibule were examined and high-resolution digital microscopy images were captured under 100x and 200x magnification. A least 2 photomicrographs at both magnifications were taken for each slide that included representative areas of epithelial basement membrane and the adjacent subepithelial regions. Fractional area of positive immunostaining in all photomicrographs was assessed and mean values calculated using computer-assisted histometry by ImageJ. Results A total of 50 patients had complete vestibulectomy including 12:00 and 3 had regional vestibulectomy for only the 12:00 area. Using manual counting as applied by Bornstein et al., 53 excised 12:00 specimens stained for CD117 had a median immunopositive cell count, consistent with mast cells, of 29.5, greater than the described 8 mast cells per HPF. Using computer-assisted histometry, tissue stained for CD117 had a median fractional area of 0.73 in the 12:00 region. Tissues stained for PGP9.5 had a median fractional area of 0.31 in the 12:00 region. Overall, there was no difference between lifelong NPV (LNPV) and acquired NPV (ANPV) patients in the cell count or median fractional area for CD117-immunopositive or PGP9.5-immunopositive staining in the 12:00 region. In LNPV patients who had excision of both the 1:00-11:00 and 12:00 regions, the 12:00 region had significantly less PGP9.5 immunopositive fractional area than the 1:00-11:00 region of the vestibule (p = 0.001). Their H&amp;E pathology findings, including severity grading of the subepithelial inflammatory infiltrate, did not predict the IHC assessment of either CD117 or PGP9.5 in the 12:00 region. The median cotton-tipped swab test pain score was 5 out of 10 for the 12:00 region vs 7 for the rest of the vestibule. Conclusions Current surgical practices often do not include the 12:00 region, likely due to lack of data demonstrating excess mast cells and nerves in this specific region. Our results suggest that there are, in fact, a high density of immunopositive histochemical stains consistent with mast cells and nerves in the 12:00 region and high reported pain scores in both 12:00 and 1:00-11:00 vestibule. Thus, NPV surgical treatments should include, when appropriate, the 12:00 vestibule, as NPV is a field disease involving the entire vestibule. Disclosure No.

(323) Injection Pain in Men Using Intracavernosal Injection During Penile Doppler Ultrasound

Abstract Introduction Penile Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) is important in assessing erectile dysfunction. Intracavernosal injection (ICI) is utilized to achieve erections during the procedure Objective This study aims to examine the needle injection pain and predictors of severe pain in patients using ICI during PDUS. Methods The patient population included (i) men with poor response to erectogenic agents or (ii) who need curvature assessment due to Peyronie’s disease (PD), (iii) who underwent PDUS, (iv) using ICI vasoactive agent redosing schedule. We performed a descriptive assessment of demographics and comorbidities. All patients graded anxiety before the PDUS procedure and pain after the first ICI. A visual analog scale (VAS) evaluated the anxiety related to the procedure using a single question: “How anxious are you about your PDUS procedure?” This was measured on a 0 (not at all anxious) to 10 (extremely anxious) Likert scale. 7 or higher was defined as high anxiety, 4 to 6 as moderate anxiety, 1 to 3 as mild anxiety, 0 was no anxiety. A VAS assessed the ICI pain by asking, “How painful was your penile injection?”. This was measured on a 0 (not at all painful) to 10 (extremely painful) Likert scale. 6 or higher was defined as severe pain, 4 and 5 as moderate pain, 1 to 3 as mild pain, and 0 was no pain. Predictors of severe pain were analyzed using a Logistic regression model. Factors entered into the model included: patient age, number of comorbidities, and high anxiety. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results 162 individuals were included. The median age of 65 (59,72) years. 19% had diabetes, 19% reported ≥ 3 comorbidities, 10% had a history of depression, and 11% had a history of anxiety. 72% had prostate cancer, 6%had bladder cancer, 3% had other cancer, and 19% had no cancer history. 35% described PD. The VAS procedure anxiety median was 3 (1, 5), on which 22% reported no anxiety, 35% mild, 25% moderate, and 18% high anxiety. The VAS median pain with the first ICI was 2 (1, 4), on which 9% reported no pain, 61% mild pain, 19% moderate pain, and 11% severe pain. In the MVA, no predictors of severe pain with ICI during PDUS were identified (Table 1). Conclusions Pain experienced with ICI during PDUS is low, with most patients reporting no or only mild pain. Only 1/3 of the patients Almost half of the patients reported moderate to high anxiety associated with this procedure; however, high procedure anxiety did not predict severe pain with ICI during PDUS Disclosure No.

(041) Pre-Operative Bilateral Pudendal Nerve Blocks can Reduce Opioid Utilization for Patients Undergoing Urologic Prosthetic Procedures

Abstract Introduction Opioid related overdoses and deaths have been increasing in recent decades, and recent studies have shown that even short courses of opioids can result in dependence and misuse. Urologic prosthetic procedures can be painful, and historically pain management has been predominantly through opioid-based analgesia. Multimodal pain management plans have been shown to help reduce exposure to opioids, and these include local nerve blockade. Objective Our study aims to assess the efficacy of bilateral pudendal nerve block in post-operative pain management and reduction of opioid use. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all patients undergoing urologic prosthetic surgeries at a single Canadian institution between September 2020 and June 2023. Prosthetic surgeries included inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) and artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) implants and explantation/reimplantation, but patients were only included once during the study period. Patients with chronic pain or missing pain data were excluded. Patients received bilateral pudendal nerve blocks at the discretion of the surgeon as a practice change starting in 2021 and compared to a control group (no blocks). Pain was assessed by the nursing care team using an analogue rating scale (out of 10), and all opioid and non-opioid pain medications were blindly recorded by nursing as their part of their usual documentation. Opioid utilization was converted to oral morphine equivalents (OMEs). Primary outcome was OMEs utilization in the post-operative period while in hospital, with a secondary of overall pain scores. Data was analysed using two-sample t-tests, and significance set to a p-value of 0.05. Results Our study included a total of 134 patients, with 59 patients receiving preoperative bilateral pudendal nerve blocks (54 IPP, 5 AUS), and 75 patients receiving the standard protocol (31 IPP, 44 AUS). The median age of patients receiving pudendal nerve blocks was 62.51 compared to the control group median age of 67.81. (p&amp;lt;0.05). There was no difference in ages in sub-analysis of IPP and AUS cohorts. Sub-analysis of the AUS cohort demonstrated a lower median pain score immediately post-op for those receiving blocks compared to control (0.8 vs. 2.73 respectively, p&amp;lt;0.05), with no difference in pain scores otherwise. AUS patients with pudendal nerve blocks consumed significantly less OMEs on day of surgery (median 0 vs. 6.75 OMEs, p&amp;lt;0.05). The IPP cohort with pudendal nerve blocks had no difference in pain scores compared to control, but consumed significantly less OMEs on day of surgery (9.06 vs. 12.56 OMEs respectively, p&amp;lt;0.05) and on post-operative day one (2.99 vs. 7.30 OMEs respectively, p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusions Preoperative bilateral pudendal nerve blocks appear to reduce post-operative opioid use for patients undergoing urologic prosthetic surgery. Regular use of pudendal nerve blocks for patients undergoing prosthetic and pelvic surgeries may be an efficient means to reduce patient exposure to opioids. Bilateral pudendal nerve blockade for all genital and pelvic surgeries may be an effective opioid harm reduction strategy and warrants further investigation and patient satisfaction outcomes. Disclosure No.

A Prospective Study of the IlluminOss Photodynamic Nail System for Pelvic Stabilization: Treatment of Impending and Actual Fractures from Metastatic Bone Disease, Multiple Myeloma, and Primary Bone Lymphoma.

The stabilization of metastatic lesions in the periacetabular region can be successfully performed using percutaneous techniques. Photodynamic nails (PDNs) are among the available tools for stabilization. Data on postoperative complications and functional outcomes are, however, scarce. Patients undergoing percutaneous stabilization using PDNs (IlluminOss Medical) for impending or actual minimally displaced pathological fractures of the pelvis from metastatic bone disease, multiple myeloma, or primary bone lymphoma were enrolled prospectively. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at the 2-day, 2-week, 6-week, 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year time points. Functional outcomes assessed included the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function, PROMIS Pain Interference, Combined Pain and Ambulatory Function (CPAF), EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS), and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores. Pain was assessed using a VAS. A total of 30 patients treated with PDNs were included. The median VAS pain score dropped from 60 points preoperatively to 30 at 6 weeks postoperatively (p = 0.004). The median CPAF score improved from 6 preoperatively to 7 postoperatively at the 6-week mark. The median EQ-VAS score showed significant improvement at 6 weeks (70 versus 50; p = 0.006). The median 2-week PROMIS Pain Interference score was significantly lower than preoperatively (64.1 versus 66.9; p = 0.03). An improvement in the median PROMIS Physical Function score was seen at 6 weeks following surgery compared with preoperatively (37 versus 30.1; p = 0.001). A significant improvement in the MSTS score was seen as soon as 2 days after surgery (77% versus 40%; p < 0.0001). Among patients with pelvic bone metastases, multiple myeloma, or primary bone lymphoma, we found that treatment using PDNs resulted in immediate return to ambulation and rapid functional outcome improvement, with low complication rates. In this population, this technique represents a safe alternative to open surgery. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Maximum Pain at Rest in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Elective Thoracic Surgery and the Predictors of Moderate-to-Severe Pain—Secondary Data Analysis

Introduction: Pain management among children following thoracic surgery is an area of significant practice variability. Understanding the risk factors of moderate-to-severe pain intensity will allow for adequate pain relief. The aim of the study was to assess the maximum intensity of pain at rest in pediatric patients within 24 h of thoracic surgery and to investigate the prevalence and predictors of moderate-to-severe pain. Methods and findings: This is a prospective cohort study of patients in observational and randomized controlled trials following thoracic surgery. A secondary analysis of data was conducted using data collected from 446 patients aged 7–18 years undergoing thoracic surgery. The primary endpoint was maximum pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale; NRS; range: 0–10) and the secondary endpoint was the prevalence and predictors of moderate-to-severe pain (NRS &gt; 2/10). The median maximum pain in the cohort was 3 [0; 4]. During the immediate postoperative period, 54% of patients reported a maximum NRS &gt; 2/10. The infusion of morphine by an intravenous route (vs. epidural route) was a protective factor against moderate-to-severe pain. Taking into account the findings related to the type of epidural analgesia (vs. intravenous morphine), it was found that only the administration of 0.25% bupivacaine combined with morphine or fentanyl was a protective factor against moderate-to-severe postoperative pain. Patients aged 14–18 years (vs. aged 7–13 years) had an increased risk of reporting pain as moderate-to-severe. Conclusions: The route of analgesic administration, type of multimodal analgesia, and patients’ age predict moderate-to-severe pain in pediatric patients after thoracic surgery.

Liposomal bupivacaine intercostal block placed under direct vision reduces morphine use in thoracic surgery.

Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) and liposomal bupivacaine (LB) are two methods used for postoperative pain control after thoracic surgery. Some studies have compared LB to standard bupivacaine. However, data comparing the outcomes of LB to TEA after minimally invasive lung resection is limited. Therefore, the objective of our study was to compare postoperative pain, opioid usage, and outcomes between patients who received TEA vs. LB. We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent minimally invasive lung resections over an 8-month period. Intraoperatively, patients received either LB under direct vision or a TEA. Pain scores were obtained in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and at 12, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. Morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) were calculated at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. Postoperative outcomes were then compared between groups. In total, 391 patients underwent minimally invasive lung resection: 236 (60%) wedge resections, 51 (13%) segmentectomies, and 104 (27%) lobectomies. Of these, 326 (83%) received LB intraoperatively. Fewer patients in the LB group experienced postoperative complications (18% vs. 34%, P=0.004). LB patients also had lower median pain scores at 24 (P=0.03) and 48 hours (P=0.001) postoperatively. There was no difference in MMEs at 24 hours (P=0.49). However, at 48 hours, patients who received LB required less narcotics (P=0.02). Median hospital length of stay (LOS) was significantly shorter in patients who received LB (2 vs. 4 days, P<0.001). On multivariable analysis, increasing age, postoperative complications, and use of TEA were independently associated with a longer hospital LOS. Compared to TEA, LB intercostal block placed under direct vision reduced morphine use 48 hours after thoracic surgery. It was also associated with fewer postoperative complications and shorter median hospital LOS. LB is a good alternative to TEA for pain management after minimally invasive lung resection.

Ultrasound-guided Lipiodol® hysterosalpingography: A prospective study on pregnancy and complication rates.

Fluoroscopic hysterosalpingography (HSG) with Lipiodol® is safe and has a therapeutic effect on fertility: transient in endometriosis-related infertility and sustained in unexplained infertility. Ultrasound is replacing fluoroscopy as the preferred imaging modality for HSG due to comfort and radiation safety (no ionising radiation). The safety of ultrasound-guided Lipiodol® HSG is uncertain. Prospectively observe pregnancy and complication rates after ultrasound-guided Lipiodol® HSG. A single-centre prospective study of women with unexplained infertility undergoing ultrasound-guided Lipiodol® uterine bathing and tubal flushing after tubal patency confirmed with ExEm® Foam HyFoSy (hysterosalpingo-foam-sonography). Pregnancy outcomes at six months and serum and urinary thyroid function at one, three and eight weeks were recorded. Pain scores were recorded during and immediately after HSG. Descriptive statistics are reported. Fifty-two participants were enrolled between July 2019 and April 2021, median age 33 years (range 21-45). Only 45 (87%, 45/52) completed the Lipiodol® HSG; 5/7 experienced intravasation during initial HyFoSy. Of 30 women at follow-up, 57% had biochemical (17/30, 95% CI 37%-75%), 53% clinical (16/30 95% CI 34%-72%) and 35% ongoing pregnancies (11/30, 95% CI 20%-56%). The rate of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) at two months was 41% (7/17). One intravasation event occurred during Lipiodol® HSG (2%, 1/45). Median pain score was 5/10 (range 0-9, interquartile range 2.5-7). No anaphylaxis, infection or oil embolism was observed. Outpatient ultrasound-guided Lipiodol® HSG was safe, with pregnancy rates comparable to previous studies of fluoroscopic guidance. Rates of intravasation and SCH were also similar, confirming the need to monitor thyroid function.

Office-Based Transperineal Laser Ablation for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Under Local Anesthesia: 2-Year Results from a Dose Range Confirmatory Trial

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and tolerability profile of transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia in an office setting under sedative-free anesthesia, including the functional outcome results at 24 months. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective, single-center, dose range confirmatory trial involving 20 male patients. TPLA was performed by urologists in an office setting, using nonsedative local anesthesia. Self-administered nitrous oxide/oxygen dissociating gas was optional. Tolerability was assessed using a visual analog scale. Safety was evaluated by recording Grade 3 or worse adverse events within 30 days after the procedure. International Prostate Symptom Score, Sexual Health Inventory for Men, ejaculation function, and uroflowmetry parameters were assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months. Results: All 20 procedures were performed as intended without request of cessation from any patient, who tolerated them very well, recording a median pain score of 2 (range 1-4). It is important to note that there was a rapid escalation of dose, and the last 18 consecutive patients were initiated at the maximal energy dose of 7 watts. No hospital transfers were recorded, and no urgent hospital admissions within 30 days post-procedure occurred. There was 1 Grade 3 complication registered during the 24-month study interval. We observed a statistically significant and sustained reduction in the median International Prostate Symptom Score at 6 months (6, 3-8), 12 months (3, 5-2), and 24 months (3, 2-4) when compared with baseline values (14, 12-17). Uroflowmetry parameters showed a similar trend. The median Sexual Health Inventory for Men values did not change significantly, and only approximately 10% of patients reported absence of anterograde ejaculation at 12 and 24 months. Conclusions: TPLA for benign prostatic hyperplasia is a safe and well-tolerated office-based procedure, with durable benefits on functional outcomes over 2 years of follow-up. Further studies are required to confirm these results. NCT: NCT04760483.

Comparison of breastfeeding, music therapy, and oral sucrose's impact on pain relief among infants during pentavalent vaccination.

Vaccination is a quick, safe, and effective way to avoid contracting hazardous diseases, but it often causes pain and discomfort. Various pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management techniques are used to treat pain. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of breastfeeding, musical therapy, and oral sucrose in infant's pain relief during pentavalent vaccination. A quasi-experimental posttest-only research design was used. A total of 150 infants were enrolled using the purposive sampling technique (50 in the breastfeeding, 50 in the musical therapy, and 50 in the oral sucrose groups) coming for the first, second, and third doses of pentavalent vaccination. The data were collected using observation and the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS). The results were calculated by descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that half of the infants in the breastfeeding group felt severe pain, whereas the majority of infants in the musical therapy and oral sucrose groups felt severe pain during pentavalent vaccination. The median pain score in breastfeeding, musical therapy, and oral sucrose was 4.50, 6, and 7, respectively. Breastfeeding was significantly different from both musical therapy and oral sucrose in terms of pain scores. However, no significant difference was observed between musical therapy and oral sucrose. Overall, the results indicate that breastfeeding had a distinct impact on pain relief during pentavalent vaccination compared with the other interventions, while musical therapy and oral sucrose did not differ significantly in their effectiveness. The study concluded that breastfeeding is a safe, reliable, cost-effective, and easily accessible method to relieve an infant's pain during pentavalent vaccination. It is a simple method to alleviate pain among infants during vaccination.

DOES SURGERY FOR IBD DELIVER ON ITS “PROMIS”ES? IMPACT OF SURGERY ON SHORT-TERM PATIENT REPORTED OUTCOMES FROM THE CROHN’S &amp; COLITIS FOUNDATION’S SURGICAL INNOVATIONS, RESEARCH, &amp; QUALITY COLLABORATIVE

Abstract BACKGROUND As part of the Crohn’s &amp; Colitis Foundation’s IBD Plexus, a novel prospective, longitudinal multicenter surgical inception cohort was implemented. In this first report from the first 100 patients enrolled, we aimed to assess patient reported outcomes before and after IBD surgery. We hypothesized surgery is associated with improved patient reported outcomes. METHODS Beginning in Aug. 2022 patients were prospectively enrolled into a multicenter IRB-approved observational longitudinal cohort at 6 centers with 17 enrolling surgeons. Inclusion criteria: adults undergoing major abdominopelvic surgery for a known diagnosis of IBD. Baseline demographics, intra-operative details, 30-day outcomes, and patient reported outcomes were recorded at baseline and 30-days postoperatively. Overall health status was assess using the PROMIS General Health measures, symptom specific measures: PROMIS Pain Interference, Fatigue, and Sleep scales, and disease-specific measures: the Crohn’s &amp; Ulcerative Colitis Questionnaire items. Figures represent frequency (proportion), median (range). P-values represent Wilcoxon rank-sum test or chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test. RESULTS A total of 103 patients were enrolled to date; median age 43 (20 – 74), 49% female, diagnoses: Crohns (64%), ulcerative colitis (35%), and IBDu (1%). A total of 69 (67%) patients completed surveys, and 58 (56%) patients completed the post-operative survey. In terms of overall health status within 7 days, improved overall median pain scores (3 vs. 2, p=0.04), overall health (p=0.04), physical health (p=0.03), and less fatigue (p=0.05) were observed after surgery compared to baseline (Table 1), while overall quality of life, mental health, social measures, and emotional problems were similar. Patients reported more difficulties with activities of daily living after surgery (p=0.01). In terms of symptoms within 7 days, less fatigue (p&amp;lt;0.05), but no difference in pain interference or sleep disturbance was observed after surgery (p&amp;gt;0.05). In terms of disease-specific outcomes within 2 weeks, fewer days feeling unwell (5 vs. 3, p=0.02), bloated (5 vs 2, p=0.04), or needing to rush to the toilet (5 vs 1, p=0.007), and no difference in feeling tired, upset, abdominal pain, or nocturnal bowel movements was observed after surgery. CONCLUSIONS In a prospective longitudinal cohort, surgery was associated with improved pain and physical health scores, with fewer days feeling unwell, fatigued, bloating, and fecal urgency. On the other hand, mental, social, and emotional health did not change 30-days after surgery. Our data suggest patients are still recovering 30-days after surgery, and longer follow-up may reveal further improvements. Targeted psychosocial interventions and support at home early in the acute post-operative period may improve the quality of recovery after surgery for patients with IBD. Table 1 Table 2

COMPARISON OF PAIN AND EXTENT OF ANAESTHESIA IN DIGITAL BLOCKS FOR ISOLATED FINGER LACERATIONS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

BackgroundDigital injuries are among the most common presentations to the emergency department. In order to sufficiently examine and manage these injuries, adequate, prompt, and predictable anaesthesia is essential. In this trial, we aim to primarily compare the degree of pain and anaesthesia onset time between the two-injection dorsal block technique (TD) and the single-injection volar subcutaneous block technique (SV). Further, we describe the temporal and anatomical effects of both techniques for an accurate delineation of the anesthetized regions.MethodsA single-centre prospective randomized controlled trial involving patients presenting with isolated wounds to the fingers requiring primary repair under local anaesthesia. Patients were randomized to either the SV or TD blocks. The primary outcome was procedure-related pain (Numerical Rating Scale). Further, we assessed the extent of anaesthesia along with the anaesthesia onset time.ResultsA total of 100 patients were included in the final analysis, 50 on each arm of the study. The median pain score during injection was significantly higher in patients who received TD block than patients who received SV block (median [interquartile range] = 4 [2.25, 5] vs. 3 [2, 4], respectively, P = 0.006). However, anaesthesia onset time was not statistically different among the groups (P = 0.39). The extent of anaesthesia was more predictable in the dorsal block compared to the volar block.ConclusionThe single-injection volar subcutaneous blocks are less painful with a similar anaesthesia onset time. Injuries presenting in the proximal dorsal region may benefit from the two-injection dorsal blocks, given the anatomical differences and timely anaesthesia of the region.

Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) and PRO Remission Rates in 12,262 Biologic-Naïve Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis Treated With Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Routine Care.

To evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after initiation of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment in European real-world patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Further, to investigate PRO remission rates across treatment courses, registries, disease duration, sex, and age at disease onset. Visual analog scale or numerical rating scale scores for pain, fatigue, patient global assessment (PtGA), and the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) from 12,262 patients with PsA initiating a TNFi in 13 registries were pooled. PRO remission rates (pain ≤ 1, fatigue ≤ 2, PtGA ≤ 2, and HAQ-DI ≤ 0.5) were calculated for patients still on the treatment. For the first TNFi, median pain score was reduced by approximately 50%, from 6 to 3, 3, and 2; as were fatigue scores, from 6 to 4, 4, and 3; PtGA scores, from 6 to 3, 3, and 2; and HAQ-DI scores, from 0.9 to 0.5, 0.5, and 0.4 at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Six-month Lund Efficacy Index (LUNDEX)-adjusted remission rates for pain, fatigue, PtGA, and HAQ-DI scores were 24%, 31%, 36%, and 43% (first TNFi); 14%, 19%, 23%, and 29% (second TNFi); and 9%, 14%, 17%, and 20% (third TNFi), respectively. For biologic-naïve patients with disease duration < 5 years, 6-month LUNDEX-adjusted remission rates for pain, fatigue, PtGA, and HAQ-DI scores were 22%, 28%, 33%, and 42%, respectively. Corresponding rates for patients with disease duration > 10 years were 27%, 32%, 41%, and 43%, respectively. Remission rates were 33%, 40%, 45%, and 56% for men and 17%, 23%, 24%, and 32% for women, respectively. For patients aged < 45 years at diagnosis, 6-month LUNDEX-adjusted remission rate for pain was 29% vs 18% for patients ≥ 45 years. In 12,262 biologic-naïve patients with PsA, 6 months of treatment with a TNFi reduced pain by approximately 50%. Marked differences in PRO remission rates across treatment courses, registries, disease duration, sex, and age at onset of disease were observed, emphasizing the potential influence of factors other than disease activity on PROs.